44Jahvid Best RB

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Jahvid Best suing NFL over concussions

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

Former Lions running back Jahvid Best, whose career was cut short by concussions, is suing the NFL, reports the Detroit Free Press. Best suffered three concussions with the Lions after sustaining two while playing for Cal.

The suit alleges the NFL knew about the risks of head injuries but did not do enough to prevent them, and names helmet manufacturer Riddell as a defendant too.

Former Lions running back Jahvid Best is going back to Cal to finish his degree and help coach running backs as a student assistant, reports the Detroit Free Press. Best's career was cut short by concussions, and the Lions released him last offseason.

The Lions announced Wednesday that they have released running back Jahvid Best.

He played in 22 games (15 starts) for the Lions after being drafted by the team in the first round (30th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He saw action in all 16 games as a rookie in 2010, but was limited to only six games in 2011 because of a concussion. Best was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List on August 27, 2012 and missed the duration of the 2012 season because of concussion symptoms.

"Jahvid is as fine a person and professional as I have ever worked with," Lions general Mmnager Martin Mayhew said. "He was the consummate teammate and always did everything asked of him. We wish Jahvid the very best in all his future endeavors and have no doubt that he will be successful in whatever path he chooses."

In his two seasons with Detroit, Best totaled 945 rushing yards on 255 carries (3.7 avg) and six touchdowns, as well as 85 receptions for 774 yards (9.1 avg) and three touchdowns.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said running back Jahvid Best could spend the 2013 season on the Physically Unable to Perform list if he is still not cleared to practice after suffering multiple concussions in the 2011 season. Best is still holding out hope that he can play football again.

The Detroit Free-Press reports that Lions running back Jahvid Best isn't expected to play football again. The report says doctors refused to clear him this season following a pair of concussions in 2011. Earlier this month, general manager Martin Mayhew said the Lions are not expecting Best back in 2013. I'm not at all inclined to rely on his return at this point," Mayhew said. "If that happens, it will be great, but I'm not at all inclined to rely on that."